Strays

In "Strays," plucky pup Reggie (Will Ferrell) thought he and his owner Doug (Will Forte) were playing an innocent game of fetch. It isn’t until he meets Bug (Jamie Foxx), a streetwise stray who says only suckers have owners, that Reggie realizes his miserable master intentionally abandoned him in the big city. With two more pooches (Isla Fisher and Randall Park) adding fuel to his furry fire, Reggie goes from cute to cunning as he and Bug concoct a crazy scheme to get back to Doug and give him a big bite between his legs. Revenge has never been this riotous, or this irreverent, as the hilariously absurd antics of these four furballs turn typical animal adventures totally upside down. Forget everything you know about “dog movie” drama because this is one journey home that’s off its leash and over the top. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Director/Producer Josh Greenbaum and Screenwriter/Producer Dan Perrault; six featurettes "Talk Like A Dog" (HD 07:10), "The Ultimate Treat: Making Strays" (HD 06:34), "Poop, Booms, And Shrooms" (HD 06:41), "Will Forte: Stray Actor" (HD 05:57), "Training To Be Stray" (HD 05:30) and "A New Best Friend" (HD 03:36); and a Movies Anywhere digital code.

The 1.85:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed digitally using the Sony CineAlta Venice camera system and sourced from a 4K Digital Intermediate. The picture appears to exhibit naturalness, whether in Doug's trashy house or the outdoor setting in alleyways, parks, roads or the carnival grounds. Earthy colors appear in the grass and forestry segments, especially among the tall trees. The carnival colors are nicely saturated and pop. The dogs are real characters and play their parts speaking. Humans appear naturally hued. Contrast is realistic with natural blacks such as on Bug's black and white coat, revealing shadows, and natural white levels. Resolution is revealing of fine detail among the dogs with clear delineation of their coats and facial characteristics. Object textures are well defined as well as landscapes. This is a decent visual experience that is full of antics, especially the poop scene, by the dogs and as well, Doug. (Gary Reber_

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1-channel soundtrack is dog dialogue focused with plenty of funny rude sound bites. Doug's dialogue sounds decently integrated spatially, but the dogs are ADR produced and lacking in those qualities. Atmospherics are realistic sounding. Sound effects are realistic as well, such as the sounds of the carnival and the fireworks, which are supported with deep bass and surround extension. The music score is well recorded with a wide soundstage and extension to the surrounds. This is a dog funny holosonic® soundtrack that will amuse dog lovers. (Gary Reber)